Boca Raton Tribune launches traffic safety awareness effort

BOCA RATON – Next time you’re behind the wheel of your car, check to see if you’re wearing your seat belt.  Are you operating at the appropriate speed?  Are you trying to text? Have you just had a few alcoholic drinks?

In light of response to a Boca Raton Tribune column about truck accidents
in Coconut Creek, we are launching a campaign to raise awareness among drivers.

And that includes everyone, from those in a small car to truck drivers, motorcyclists and operators of 18-wheelers.  Highway safety is a must – and you must never let yourself be distracted.

Last month, Tribune Publisher Douglas Heizer wrote a column about an accident that killed motorcyclist David Da Silva, 18, of Boca Raton and Edward Joseph, 27, of Deerfield Beach, who was operating a pickup truck. While Heizer honed in on Da Silva, who was a family friend, the column was not intended to slight Joseph or his family, who are also grieving the loss.

As part of the follow-up to this accident, the Tribune received an email from Stephanie L. Gioletti, legislative aide to State Rep. Irv Slosberg.  It said:

“I am writing on behalf of Representative Slosberg. After reading your ‘Tragedy on the highway has personal touch-for second time’ in The Boca Raton Tribune, Representative Slosberg wanted to thank you for discussing the dangers on the roadways as this has become his life’s mission.”

“Representative Slosberg’s mission for road safety began when his daughter Dori, age 14, was killed in a reckless automobile accident leaving his other twin daughter, Emily in a coma. Since then, Representative Slosberg has made it his life’s mission to educate the public on road safety and the unforgiving dangers that lurk on the roadways.”

Gioletti hopes more articles can be printed in the future.

Motorcyclist Joel Brito also emailed us about the accident that took two lives that day in Coconut Creek.  Joel says:

“I look at this and I thank God every day because I’m alive… I’ve been there, luckily didn’t die. I didn’t know him (Da Silva). I’m a rider too and I love bikes. I’ve got to say something to all the riders out there… always respect the machine; once you think you are too good at it, you’re gone. And obey the law, if a cop stops you, stop and face the consequences, that’s the best option. David Da Silva, hope you rest in peace!!!”

We also contacted Coconut Creek Police and talked with spokeswoman Brandi DelVecchio who said that Da Silva was heading north on Lyons Road just after 3 a.m. when it was involved in a collision with the Ford F-150 driven by Joseph.  Both died at the scene.

She said the collision is still under investigation.